Kia India has refreshed its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programme with two major changes. First, the age limit for eligible cars has increased from five years to seven years. Second, certified pre-owned Kia cars now come with a warranty of up to 24 months or 40,000 km (whichever comes first), significantly expanding the scope of factory-backed protection.
In practical terms, this means a six-year-old Seltos, Sonet, Carens, or Syros that meets Kia’s certification criteria can now be sold with up to two additional years of warranty—making the CPO programme more appealing to used-car buyers.
Multi-Brand Warranty Introduced
Alongside upgrades for its own vehicles, Kia is also expanding into the multi-brand used-car market. Under the updated programme, Kia’s CPO outlets will certify and sell used cars from other brands as well.
These non-Kia vehicles will receive a warranty of up to 12 months or 15,000 km. While this coverage is shorter than that for Kia cars, it still offers far more peace of mind than buying from an unorganised local dealer. For buyers interested in cars from Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, or Mahindra with some official backing, this new option opens a valuable alternative channel.
The Fine Print: What Buyers Must Know
Not every used car qualifies for this warranty. Only vehicles that pass Kia’s 175-point inspection and are sold through the official CPO network receive certification.
The checklist covers:
- Engine and gearbox condition
- Electrical components
- Brakes and suspension
- AC system performance
- Bodywork and paint quality
- Interior wear and tear
- A complete road test
If a car doesn’t meet Kia’s benchmarks, it won’t be certified—and no warranty will be offered.
How Warranty Claims Work
- For Kia cars: claims are handled at Kia service centres.
- For other brands: Kia’s own workshop network manages repairs.
However, parts availability and diagnosis quality for different brands may vary, and timelines can differ depending on model and region. Buyers considering a non-Kia car should ask the CPO outlet about parts sourcing and claim procedures. It’s also essential to request a copy of warranty inclusions, exclusions, and wear-and-tear rules.
The warranties are strictly time and distance bound. Coverage ends at:
- 24 months / 40,000 km for certified Kia cars
- 12 months / 15,000 km for multi-brand cars
Another key point: this warranty applies only to cars purchased through Kia’s official CPO network. Buying a used Kia from an independent dealer will not qualify for these benefits.
Buyers should keep copies of all documents, including the inspection report, service history, and warranty booklet.
Network, Reach, and Pricing Realities
Kia’s CPO network has grown to 114 outlets nationwide, giving it broad coverage for trade-ins, sourcing, and sales. As with most certified programmes, vehicles sold through the CPO channel will typically cost more than similar cars at independent dealerships.
This premium reflects the inspection, refurbishment, and warranty coverage. For buyers seeking low-risk ownership and streamlined after-sales support, the higher price may be justified. However, hands-on buyers comfortable with repairs and negotiation might still prefer independent dealers.
What This Means for Used-Car Buyers
For Kia owners and repeat buyers, the extended certification window and two-year warranty are major benefits. They expand the pool of eligible cars and improve resale confidence for those planning to upgrade later.
For buyers open to other brands, the one-year multi-brand warranty provides structure and security in a used-car market that is often unpredictable and trust-based.
The smartest approach is to:
- Review the inspection report thoroughly
- Check tyre age, brake condition, and service histories
- Take a comprehensive test drive
If the overall package makes sense—and warranty coverage is included—Kia’s CPO programme offers a more organised and reliable buying experience.
Kia is clearly aiming to strengthen its presence across the full ownership cycle—not just new car sales. The updated CPO programme extends protection for Kia cars and introduces limited-term coverage for other brands. While not a complete guarantee, it gives used-car buyers more choice and a stronger safety net in a market where peace of mind often seals the deal.